Please note that the list below is not comprehensive of all project types; it is meant to provide general guidance for building owners, tenants, designers, and contractors. If your project is not listed or if you need help to determine if a permit is required, please email or call the Building Safety Division. 

If your project is exempt from a permit, it is most often not exempt from the building code and planning setback requirements. Ensure your project meets the code even if you don't need a permit by researching the requirements online or by contacting the Building Safety Division. Learn more about your setback requirements by contacting the Planning Division at 303-227-8777 or via email. 

A building permit is required for...

A building permit is not required for...
  • New buildings, additions, and structures 
  • Interior alterations (including finished basements) 
  • Porches and decks (including alterations to existing) 
  • New and replacement gas appliances 
  • New and replacement HVAC equipment 
  • New and replacement telecommunications equipment 
  • New plumbing fixtures 
  • New electric appliances 
  • Retaining walls over 4 feet
  • Reroofs in commercial and multi-family buildings
  • Roof sheathing replacements in commercial and multi-family buildings
  • New exterior stairs or stoops
  • Demolition of buildings and structures
  • Demolition of building interiors
  • Sump pumps
  • Electric vehicle charging stations when hardwired
  • Changes of occupancy or group of a commercial space
  • Movement of a lot line
  • New and replacement backflow prevention assemblies
  • Chemical dispensers connected to a water supply or plumbing fixture
  • Sales trailers
  • Electrical service for construction trailers
  • New and replacement signs
  • Class C interior finishes in Groups A, E and I
  • Fences 72 inches and under in residential occupancies except those surrounding a swimming pool 
  • Fences 42 inches and under in commercial occupancies 
  • Residential window or door replacements with no structural alterations
  • Residential reroofs 
  • Residential roof sheathing replacements of 256 square feet and under unless required to be fire-retardant 
  • Residential residing 
  • Gutters 
  • Kitchen cabinets 
  • Playground equipment 
  • On-grade patios (including wood patios) 
  • Driveways 
  • Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height 
  • Temporary ramps serving residential dwellings that are no more than 30 inches high 
  • Low voltage (24 volts and under)
  • Installation and replacement of floor finishes 
  • Replacement of interior finishes
  • Non-structural, cosmetic repairs in residential occupancies
  • Prefabricated residential swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, not greater than 500 gallons, and installed entirely above the ground
  • Retaining walls 4 feet and under (measured from top of wall to bottom of footing) and not supporting a surcharge